None
The Nintendo Wii launched first this fine Sunday morning. We don’t have any of the chaotic stories that plagued the PlayStation 3 launch, just a calm Sunday morning story for you.
Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America, was at the launch of the console at Toys “R” Us in Times Square, New York City. He stood behind the register and sold the first console to enter civilian hands.
The party started at 8 pm where Nintendo entertained waiting gamers with a DJ, an MTV veejay, and acrobats. Fils-Aime showed up to the celebration welcoming the diverse crowd of people that had gathered for Nintendo’s block party. The president even hopped onto a console and spent some time playing the Wii.
When the clock struck midnight in Times Square, an orderly line of excited gamers began paying for their consoles. The calm, collected line was definitely a contrast from the riotous crowds that were on the streets just a few days earlier for the PlayStation 3 launch.
EB World, in Universal Studios’ CityWalk, Hollywood, was the home of Nintendo’s launch event for west coasters. In contrast to the PS3 launch, parents camped out with their children and the air seemed friendly among gamers. Nintendo set up playable Nintendo Wii stations that featured games including The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Call of Duty 3, Excite Truck, and Wii Sports. Nintendo reps helped walk people through the games. Live entertainment and live interviews with Nintendo execs were also features of the launch party.
We’ll keep you posted if there are any wild antics reminiscent of the PlayStation 3 launch so be sure to check back for the latest.